Divisions In The Church
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 1 and Psalm 62 (NIV)
(Esther Low, Secretary, Mandarin Ministry)
READ:
1 Corinthians 1 and Psalm 62 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Believers in the Church in Corinth are not in agreement among themselves. They are proud and boast about following certain leaders.
The following lists the verses that caught my attention in this reading (1 Corinthians 1).
v2 – To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours.
v10 – I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
v31 – Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (All emphases mine)
APPLY:
God impressed upon me the word, “equality”. Not any individual or group is having more or less of our Lord. Not any individual or group is having a more intimate relationship with our Lord while another is having less or none of our Lord’s attention. Our God is the same God regardless of which pastor baptised us or in which Church we were baptised, for we were all baptised in the name of our crucified and risen Lord’s name, Jesus Christ. We are one united family-in-Christ.
Our relationship with God depends on the quality and quantity of time we spend with Him. Knowing and understanding God better, helps us to feel His presence with us and to recognise the blessings He bestowed upon us. This makes us a happier and more contented person. We do not become greater following a particular pastor, ministry leader or small group leader or being baptised by a particular pastor. Therefore, we should not boast about who baptised us or which religious leader we follow. If we must boast about something or someone, we should just boast in the Lord.
DO:
We are one united family-in-Christ. We should be in agreement with one another, and should avoid situations that can cause divisions among us, be it in Church, our ministry in Church or our Small Group. I will keep myself reminded of this reading, be conscious about my thoughts, my actions and my words to stay united with my family-in-Christ.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, indeed You are faithful and worthy of my trust. Psalm 62 reminds me I can pour out my heart before You, for You alone are my rock and salvation, my strength and my refuge in times of trouble. Father God, I pray that You continue to protect my heart and mind that I may guard myself well to stay united with my family-in-Christ, to remain faithful to You and to Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
